YA Fiction Book Review: Curio by Evangeline
Denmark
Book Description:
Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her small western town. But she has always followed the rules, taking the potion the Chemists ration out that helps the town’s people survive. A potion that Grey suspects she—like her grandfather and father—may not actually need.
Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her small western town. But she has always followed the rules, taking the potion the Chemists ration out that helps the town’s people survive. A potion that Grey suspects she—like her grandfather and father—may not actually need.
By working at her grandfather’s repair shop,
sorting the small gears and dusting the curio cabinet inside, Grey has tried to
stay unnoticed—or as unnoticed as a tall, strong girl can in a town of diminutive,
underdeveloped citizens. Then her best friend, Whit, is caught by the Chemists’
enforcers after trying to protect Grey one night, and after seeing the extent
of his punishment, suddenly taking risks seems the only decision she can make.
But with the risk comes the reality that the
Chemists know her family’s secret, and the Chemists soon decide to use her for
their own purposes. Panicked, Grey retreats to the only safe place she
knows—her grandfather’s shop. There, however, a larger secret confronts her
when her touch unlocks the old curio cabinet in the corner and reveals a world
where porcelain and clockwork people are real. There, she could find the key
that may save Whit’s life and also end the Chemists’ dark rule forever.
My Review:
Curio is the first steampunk I've read. That being said, Evangeline Denmark has an incredible imagination and has created an other world that's both fascinating and frightening. Grey is a wonderful, strong female character who's willing to take risks and step up to do the right thing. Whit is a sweet young man willing to do what it takes to save the lives of the people he loves. As the two of them seek answers to help their family and friends, they venture into worlds they've never known and make sacrifices and selfless decisions. They're brave young people who want to make a difference. I'd recommend the book for 14 years and up. If you enjoy reading steampunk and fantasy worlds, you'll enjoy this adventure.
Curio is the first steampunk I've read. That being said, Evangeline Denmark has an incredible imagination and has created an other world that's both fascinating and frightening. Grey is a wonderful, strong female character who's willing to take risks and step up to do the right thing. Whit is a sweet young man willing to do what it takes to save the lives of the people he loves. As the two of them seek answers to help their family and friends, they venture into worlds they've never known and make sacrifices and selfless decisions. They're brave young people who want to make a difference. I'd recommend the book for 14 years and up. If you enjoy reading steampunk and fantasy worlds, you'll enjoy this adventure.
There is a prequel available as well, Mark of Blood and
Alchemy: The Prequel to Curio.
I received this book in exchange for a fair review.